Torpedo tube



June 16, 1942. H. scoTT-PA|NE 2,286,764

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TORPEDO TUBE Filed Dec. '7, 1940 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 ANN June le, 1942. H.SCOTT-MNE 2,286,7'`

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` ToRPEDo TUBE Filed Dec. 7, 1940 E? Sheets-Sheet 9 @fa fg MQ/mwPatented June 16, 1942 TORPEDO TUBE Hubert Scott-Paine, Hythe,Southampton, England 7 Claims.

This invention relates to torpedo tubes, including the mounting andtraining means therefor, and has to do with torpedo tubes intended foruse on relatively small, high speed surface motor torpedo boats.

My invention is directed to a torpedo tube having a minimum over-allweight and provided with supporting means including recoil take-up meansof such character that the reaction of the torpedo discharge will notsubject a light hull structure to objectionable local stresses, thesupporting means also providing means for training the tube from withinthe boat housing. I also provide means for eiecting ejection of thetorpedo from the tube without necessity of providing a supply ofcompressed air, the tube being thus self-contained and the arrangementof parts such that the combat operations of training and discharge ofthe torpedo from the tube can be effected from points within the boathousing, so that no member of the crew may be unnecessarily exposed vtothe elements or to enemy fire.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear from thedetail description.

In the drawings:

Figures 1 and 1A. taken together, are a plan View of a torpedo tube,including the supporting and training means therefor, embodying myinvention;

Figures 2 and 2A, taken together, are an inboard side view of the tubeand the supporting and training means therefor of Figures 1 and 1A.

Figure 3 is an after end view of the tube;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 4 4 of Figure3, on an enlarged scale;

Figure 5 is a sectional View taken substantially on line 5 5 of Figure3, on an enlarged scale, parts being broken away and certain parts beingshown in elevation;

Figure 6 is a forward end View of the breech member of the combustionchamber;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken subtantially on line 'I'l of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantiallyon line 8 8 of Figure l, certain parts being broken away and shownpartly in elevation, and certain other parts being shown in elevation;

Figure 9 is a sectional View, on an enlarged scale, taken substantiallyon line 9 9 of Figure 2, certain parts being shown in elevation;

Figure l0 is a sectional view, on an enlarged Yso scale, takensubstantially on line IIJ-I0 of Figures 2 and 2A;

Figures 11 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the adjustablemounting plate for the torpedo anchoring shear pin;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary detail sectional View, on an enlarged scale,of the muzzle end of the tube and the cover therefor and associatedparts, certain parts being shown in elevation; l

Figure 13 is a plan View of the under carriage and associated parts forsupporting and training the tube, certain parts being broken away;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary detail sectional View, on an enlarged scale,taken substantially on line I4 |4 of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken substantially on line l5-l5 ofFigurelll;

Figure 16 is an after end view of the outboard stop member for the undercarriage;

Figure 17 is a view, partly in lengthwise axial section and partly inelevation, with certain parts broken away, of one of the recoil take-uplegs;

Figure 18 is a side view, with parts broken away, of the recoil leg ofFigure 17, with a portion of the cylinder broken away and shown insection, also showing in section the associated vent means;

Figure 19 is a plan View, on an enlarged scale, of the slide plate andadjusting screw and associated parts, at the forward end of the undercarriage, for effecting adjustment of the carriage and training of thetube;

Figure 20 is a sectional View, on an enlarged scale, taken substantiallyon line 20-20 of Figure 2A, certain parts being broken away;

Figure 21 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of theslide plate and the screw adjusting means therefor as viewed from theforward end of the tube; and

Figure 22 is a semi-diagrammatic view of the means for operating theadjusting screw, from within the housing of the boat, for training thetube.

The tube comprises a cylindrical body 25 of uniform diameter rolled fromone or more sections of light gauge steel plate, welded together, andsmoothly and accurately inished, care being taken that this body is ofuniform diameter and straight throughout its length. For an 18- inchtube-that is, a tube 18 inches in diameter 1/8" plate is employed.Suitably spaced reenforcing rings 26, formed of light steel and of Tsection, accurately rolled or formed to t body 25,

are disposed about the latter, with the stem of the ring seating uponbody 25 and welded thereto. One of the rings 26 is disposed in proximityto the muzzle end of the tube. Rings 26 materially reenforce body 25 andassist in maintaining the required tubular section thereof. The body 25is further reenforced by forward and after saddles 21 and 28,respectively, fitting accurately about the upper portion of body 25 andwelded thereto. Saddle 21 comprises a base 29 provided, at each side ofthe body 25, with a sole plate 30 of considerable area, and arched ribs3l of T section extending along the forward and after edges of baseplate 29 and welded thereto and to the -sole plate 30. Saddle 2l isfurther provided, at each side of the body 25, with a bracket structurecomprising a bolting plate extending substantially horizontally outwardfromsoleplate wand-disposed somewhat above the center of ybody 25. Theafter saddle 28 is similar in construction to saddleV 2l' and comprisesa base plate 33, reenforcing ribs 34 of T cross-section, sole plates135, and brackets comprising bolting platesr. The respective saddles 2land 28 have a considerable area of contact with the body 25 of the tube,pro viding effective reenforcements therefor, and

-eliminate possibility'of local distortion of the tube in the supportthereof by the supportingmeans, to be described presently. The length ofthe tube is somewhat greater than the length of a standard naval torpedoto be discharged therefrom, and the interior diameter of body 25 of thetube is such as to provide about .075" clearance about the cylindricalmiddle portion of the fully charged torpedo. quate gas seal. sufficientto assure eicient prou pulsion of the torpedo when gas pressure is`applied at the breech or after end of the tube, no sealing rings orsimilar members being required.

A breech ring ML'formed of an aluminum alloy' and adequately ribbed forstrength, is secured tightly upon the after or breech end of tube body25 in a suitable manner, as by means of a large number of countersunkrivets. A breech door di, also formed of zzn-aluminum alloy anddeeplyribbedrfor strength, is mounted upon ring 40 by means of a doublejointed hinge 42 of known type. A rubber sealing ring 43 (Figure 4) iscemented in a groove formed in the forward or inner face of door 4l forsealing contact with the after end of breech ring M5. Swing bolts M,pivoted at their forward ends at 45 to breech ring 40, are engageable inoutwardly opening slots (i in door ill. Bolts M carry wing nuts 41,which bear against wear plates 48 at the after or rearward face of doorfi! extending about slots 46, for securing the door in closed position.When door il is closed, the rubber sealing ring 43 seats against theflat annular face on the after ond of ring M3, and a moderate forceexerted by the bolts M and nuts il suflices tc seal the breech end cfthe tube body 25 against an interior pressure of about seventy-fivepounds per square inch, such as is developed within the pressure spaceor chamber of the tube when discharging a toredo therefrom. The door mayreadily be opened and closed in an obvious manner.

Door 1H is provided with a central tubular hub ll. the after end ofwhich may be closed by a screw plug 5! having a ange 52 at its afterend, between which flange Vand the after end of hub 5!! a sealing gasket53 is interposed. Plugv 5i is hollow and open at its forward end, and issuitably bored and tapped at its after end for reception of a screw plug54. The provision of thehub This relatively close t vaffords an ade-A 50and the plugs 5| and 54 renders it possible, when desired, to connect tothe pressure chamber of the tube a pressure and speed indicator ofstandard design, such as is commonly used for experimentalinvestigations. An annular spacing member 55, of predeterminedthickness, is removably attached to the forward end of hub 5?) by screws5S, so as to be readily removable and replaceable. Member 55 providesmeans for assuring that the torpedo is correctly located axiallyrelative to the body of the tube, when loaded in the latter, as will befurther explained presently.

Breech ring is provided, at its upper portion and at each sideof itsvertical axial plane, with -an integral block r6|! suitably reenforcedand provided at its upper end with a fiat bolting flange, as shown inFigure 8. Block`60 defines a passage SI (Figure 5) which registers atits lower end with a corresponding opening $2 through body "25 `ofthertube. Blockil, at vthe outboard 'side of breech ringl, is closed vatits upper end by a cover platel63boltedthereto, with an interveningsealing gasket 64. 'Block 00, at the inboard side of ring d0, receives acombustion chamber '65 having "a dependingtubular neck 65 seating uponand bolted to block A6i), with an intervening sealing gasket 6l. Aspreviously stated, .the V'torpedo tubes of V,my invention are intendedfor use withlhigh speed surface vessels,

Zand are disposed at opposite sides of the deck ,extending generallyfore and aft thereof. inboard side of the'tube willldepend upon whichThe side of theV deck the tube is adjacent, 'and by providing the twoblocks 50, the combustion chamber' 55 may be mounted at the inboard sideof the respective tubes, avoiding necessity for providing right and lefttubes.

Atorpedo'is expelled from the tube by means of a Vpowder charge, theexplosion'proper being conned'to the combustion chamber 65 which isformed as an integral casting suitable forwithstanding high pressures.An orice member B8, flangedY at its upper'end` and seating in the upperend of neck, extends downwardlywithin the neck, within which it tssnugly, and is removablyV secured in kposition by a set screw 59threading throughneck 65. Member 68 is in the Yformof a Venturi tube andprovides a throttling orifice of predetermined size for metering theflow of high pressure gases within combustion chamber B5 from the latterinto `the pressure spaceor chamber within body 25 of the tube at thebreech end'thereof.

The explosion pressure within the combustion chamber 65 normallyis about1200 pounds per square inch. A slow burning type of powder is used,andthe pressure rise to its maximum is `1-elativelyslow and not of thenature of a detonation. The entire period of rise and fall of pressurewithin the combustion chamber 55 occupies Aabout .5 second, and themaximum pressure is maintained for about .2 second. There arevarious-factors Which determine the proper size of the orifice of member68. The proper discharge velocity for the torpedo, for` example fortyfeet per second, is first determined. Sufficient .momentum would beimparted to the torpedo to produce the desired velocity if a moderatepressure, for exampleforty pounds per square inch, were applied to ituniformly for approximately two-thirds of its travel within the body 25of the tube. The maintenance of a low and uniform pressure is an ideal.Actually, the tube pressure will rise'to a peak as gas enters thepressure chamber of the tube from the combustion chamber 65, and willthen decrease in substantially the same manner as the cylinder pressuredecreases in an internal combustion engine during the expansion strokeof the piston. A peak pressure of about seventy pounds per square inchwithin the pressure space or chamber of the tube is permissible. It isdesired to secure a flat tube pressure diagram, the pressure acting witha minimum peak value, but over as great a length of torpedo travel as ispossible. That is to say that the ideal constant and relatively low tubepressure is to be approached as nearly as is practicable. Thecontrolling of the form of the tube pressure diagram involves properselection of the powder charge as to quality and weight, and selectionof an orice member 68 having an orifice of proper diameter. For a givenpowder charge, a small orifice will cause the tube pressure to riseslowly and to a low figure, and the combustion chamber pressure to riserapidly and to a maximum relatively high value. A large orifice willpermit rapid transfer of gas from the combustion chamber to the pressurechamber of the tube body, with a consequent increase in pressure in thetube pressure chamber and decrease in pressure in the combustionchamber. An acceptable compromise is arrived at by experiment.

The powder charge is carried in a 3 cartridge I case of a Navy standardtype. The powder used is known as a stabilized glass powder. Therequired weight of powder is found by experiment, and is governed by theconsiderations above outlined, namely, imparting suicient momentum tothe torpedo without imposing an excessive peak pressure upon the torpedotube proper. When a suitable combination of weight of powder charge,orifice diameter, tube pressure, and

torpedo velocity has been secured, it may then be found that the maximumpressure within the combustion chamber 65 is high, as, for example, 1500pounds per square inch instead of 1000 to 1200 pounds. That condition isnot prohibitive,

however, since the combustion chamber can,

without difficulty, be designed for high pressures, due to its smalldimensions and the relatively slight amount of material involved.

The powder charge, as above stated, is carried in a cartridge case 18 ofa standard Navy type, fitted with a primer loaded with about one ounceof ne black powder and with a small electrical resistance coil in directcontact with the priming charge. The ignition system causes flow ofelectrical current through the resistance coil, igniting the primingcharge and, in turn, the main powder charge. Since the cartridge is ofknown type, it need not be illustrated nor described in greater detail.Cartridge and its contained powder charge provide means for generating,within combustion chamber 65, gases under high pressure, which gasesflow through the throttling orifice member 68 into the pressure chamberof tube body as and for the purpose stated. Within the broader aspectsof my invention, any other suitable means may be provided forgenerating, within combustion chamber 65, gases under relatively highpressure.

Combustion chamber 65 is provided, at its after end, with an openingnormally closed by a screw plug 1 I, with provision for effecting auidtight and pressure-resistant seal between this plug and thecombustion chamber. Chamber 65 is further provided with an opening atits upper portion normally closed by screw plug 12. The

plugs 1| and 12 afford means for connecting to the chamber 65, whendesired, suitable testing instruments. At its forward end, combustionchamber 65 is provided with an opening through which fits the after endportion of a breech member 13 provided with an outer circumferentialflange 14 by means of which member 13 is bolted to the end of combustionchamber 65. Flange 14 is provided, at its rearward or after face, with ashoulder 15 extending into a corresponding recess in the adjacent end ofcombustion chamber 65, sealing gaskets 16 and 11 being interposedbetween flange 14 and the end of chamber 65, and shoulder 15 and thecorresponding portion of the end wall of chamber 65, assuring aiiuidtight and pressure-resistant closure between the combustion chamberand the breech member 13. The latter member defines a chamber whichreceives and supports the cartridge 10, as will be clear from Figure 5.

Breech member 13 breech block 80, member 13 and block 80 being providedwith interrupted and interengageable threads for locking them together,the arrangement being similar to that employed in gun breech mechanismof known type, and requiring no detailed description. Suffice it tostate that suitable quick detachable and attachable means is providedfor securing the breech block upon and removing it from the breechmember 13.

The breech block carries a firing pin and associated elements of theignition system, the latter being of known type, a brief description ofwhich will suffice. Breech block 80 is provided with a forwardlyextending neck 8| which receives means slidably supporting a firing pin82 and electrically insulating it from breech block 8l) and neck 8lthereof. Firing pin 82 is yieldingly urged toward the rearward or afterend of breech block 89, by a compression spring 83, means being providedfor positively limiting rearward movement of the firing pin when thebreech block is removed from breech member 13, as will be clear fromFigure 5. In the latter figure, breech block 80 is shown in itsoperative position secured upon breech member 13, at which time theafter end of firing pin 82 is held by spring 83 in contact with the headof cartridge 10 at the center thereof. A collar 84 is secured by screws,or in any other suitable manner, upon the forward portion of neck 8|,and carries a forwardly extending bifurcated bracket 85, in the forwardend of which is pivoted, by a pin 86, an arm 81. A head 88 is carried byarm 81, at the inner end thereof, this head being provided withelectrical insulating means which slidably supports a contact pin 89yieldingly urged toward the after end of head 88 by a compression spring90. and held thereby in contact with the forward end of firing pin 82.An electric cable 9|, provided with a protecting moisture-tight armor,is connected to the forward end of contact pin 89, and passes through astuing box 92 of known type carried by a housing 93 secured to theforward 'end of breech block 80 and forming therewith a moisture-tightenclosure for the firing pin 82, contact pin 89, and associated parts ofthe ignition means. Cable 9| passes to a suitable location within thehousing of the vessel, and is connected to a switch of known type forclosing the electrical circuit. A setting pin 94 is pivoted at itsforward end, by a pin 95, to .arm 81 outwardly thereof beyond pin 86.Setting pin 94 operates through a bore 96 in the forward end of breechblock 80, and, in the operative posireceives a cooperatingy tion oflbreech block 85, is Aheld in contact with the forward end of .breechmember i3 by a tension spring 9'! anchored, at its forward end, to theouter end of a finger 98 extending outward from arm 8'! and, at itsafter end, to breech block Bil by means of an eye member 99.

Breech block 8b is provided with two handles Idil for convenience inmanipulating it, and is 'attached to combustion chamber 65 by a chainIlI (Figures l and 2) the ends of which are suitably secured to eyemembers |02 and |53, respectively secured tothe combustion chamber E andbreech block 80. Housing 93 is provided, at its forward end, with a`ring IM welded thereto, this ring providing an opening closed by aremovable cover plate |95 secured to the ring by screws, or in any othersuitable manner, with an intervening sealing gasket |06. Removal ofplate yH35 gives ready access to the means for connecting the cable 9|to the'forward end of contact pin 89. In order to remove vbreech blockim from breech member '|3, the block is turned through an arc ofapproximately 60 degrees, so as to bring the threads thereof intoalignment with the spaces between the sets of interrupted threads on thebreech member 73. This turning of block 35 causes entry of the after endportion of setting pin 9d into a groove Il formed in the forward vend ofbreech member 'i3 concentric therewith, shown in Figures 6 and '7.That'perrnits movement `of pin Bil toward breech member I3 withconsequent rocking of arm 8l about pivot pin 95 in a counterclockwisedirection, as viewed in Figure 5, by tension springl, thus swinging head88 forward suniciently to move pin 89 out of contact with pin 32. Thatprovides a safety feature which eliminates possibility of accidentalringof the cartridge when the breech block is detached from the breechmember. When the breech block has been thus detached from member "I3, itmay `readily be removed therefrom in fan obvious manner, for removal ofa cartridge which has been iredyor for insertion of a cartridge in thebreech member i3, after which the breech block may be replaced in anobvious manner. The cartridge may be inserted one or two hours inadvance of its expected use, since the igniting means is effectivelyshielded from splash and moisture by the housing 33 and associatedparts. This housing remains in position and closed, once the properadjustments of the ignition means have been effected, and need not beremoved except at intervals for adjustment or inspection. Once acartridge has been inserted and the breech closed, there is no need forpersonnel to remain at this station. Accordingly, the personnel mayremain shieided within the housing of the vessel, from within which thecartridge may be fired for expelling the torpedo from the tube, whendesired. .it will thus been seen that the torpedo tube, including themeans for ejecting or discharging the torpedo therefrom, constitutes aunit complete in itself which is self-contained and is not dependentupon a supply of compressed air for ejecting the torpedo.

Referring to Figures l, 2, and 9, two angle guide strips |93 are mountedwithin the breech portion of body 25 of the tube, to which strips IBSare secured in a suitable manner, conveniently by bolting. Each of thesestrips provides a substantially horizontal guide flange disposed a'short distance above the horizontal axial plane of -body 25 of thetube, and curves upward and forward thereof at its forward portion.Strips assen/e4 |08 -are so disposed as to belocated -at the taperingafter portion of 4a'torpedo loadedin body 25 of the tube. When .loadingthe torpedo, lthe breech door 4I A'is opened and the torpedo is insertedinto the body of the tube lfrom the muzzle end thereof, being guidedwith care to assure that the horizontal rudder posts of the torpedoengage'correctly beneath the flanges of strips |08, the latter beingappropriately disposed to that end. When the horizontal rudder posts ofthe torpedo pass beneath the guide strips |08, the breech door 4| isclosed andthe insertion of the torpedo continues until it stops againstthe annular spacing member 55 carried by the door 4I. Member 55 thusserves to limit the insertion of the torpedo into the body of the tubeand to position it in proper axial relation thereto, the guide strips`H33 assuring positioning Vof the torpedo in proper angular relation tothe tube body 25, as will be understood.

After the torpedo has thus been properly positioned within the body ofthe tube, it is secured against displacement due to pitching of theVessel or like causes, by suitable anchor means which will now bedescribed. The standard naval torpedo carries a T shaped lug attachedthereto by three screws threaded into tap holes inthe vertical axialplane of the torpedo and about'midway of its length, the T shaped lugbeing disposed at the cylindrical body portion of the torpedoandextending lengthwise thereof. In conventional torpedo tubes, this lugrides in a slot in the tube, this slot cooperating with the lug tosupport the torpedo when at restand to guide it during discharge. Thetorpedo tube of my invention has no such slot, and the lug is removedfrom the torpedo before inserting it into the body of the tube, leavinguncovered the three holes at the top of the torpedo body. When thetorpedo is properly `positioned within the body of vthe tube, one of theholes referred to receives cylindrical head I0 (Figure l0) of a shearpin comprising a threaded body I l2 to which head I I0 is connected by areduced neck II3, body I|2 being provided, at the upper end of neck II3,with a hexagonal ange IIII. Body |I2 of pin III screws into a socketmember ||2a secured in a disk-shaped adjusting plate I I5. Conveniently,socket member ||2a is threaded into plate ||5 and is anchored therein bydistorting the threads with a prick punch or other suitable instrument,though it will be understood that the socket member may be secured toplate I I5 in any other suitable inanner, or, if desired, plate I I 5may be suitably bored and tapped, and the body of pin III screweddirectly into this plate.

Plate ||5 seats on an annular base plate II6, with an interveningsealing gasket I I base plate H6 being machined to seat accurately uponthe top of tube body 25 to which it is secured by screws or in any othersuitable manner. Bolting studs I I 8 are secured in base plate I I6 andextend upwardly through openings IIS in plate |I5 of materially greaterdiameter than the studs I I8, providing considerable clearance about thelatter. A washer disk |20 seats upon the top of adjusting plate II5 andis confined between the latter and wing nuts |2I screwing upon the upperends of studs IIB. Plate II is provided with a central opening |22 ofconsiderably greater diameter than socket member II2a, this openingregistering with an opening |23 through the top of tube body 25 ofconsiderably greater diameter than neck II3 of pin III, preferably ofthe same diameter as opening |22. The clearance thus provided about thepin and the socket member, and the clearances provided about the studbolts H8, permit of adjustment of the shear pin in eccentric relation tothe openings |22 and |23.

Preliminary to inserting the torpedo into the tube, adjusting plate H5and the shear pin carried thereby are removed from the tube. After thetorpedo has been positioned properly within body 25 of the tube,adjusting plate H5 is replaced, with head H of pin extending into one ofthe tapped holes at the top of the body of the torpedo with but slightclearance, and is secured tightly in position by means of the boltingstuds and the wing nuts. On a standard torpedo the distance from thetail end to a selected tapped hole is accurately controlled, thoughthere may be slight dimensional variations in different torpedoes of thesame type and size. Ordinarily, the selected hole into which the head ofpin |H is to be inserted should appear at the center of opening |33,but, due to the slight variations referred to, it may appear somewhateccentric to opening |23. The clearances provided by openings H3, aboutthe bolting studs H8, and the clearances provided by the openings |22and |23 about the socket member ||2a and the neck H3 of pin |H, permitof plate H being adjusted to compensate for such eccentricity andtightly secured in position. It is contemplated that the clearancesreferred to will accommodate an eccentricity of, for example, T3@ of aninch in any direction without interfering with the insertion of the headof the shear pin into the hole in the torpedo and bolting down ofadjusting plate H5.

When the plate I l5 has been tightly secured in position, pin |Heffectively prevents any objectionable motion of the torpedo within tubebody 25 due to ordinary causes, such as pitching of the vessel and thelike. The cross-section of neck H3 of pin and the material of the pin,are such that the latter has adequate mechanical strength to anchor thetorpedo against movement under ordinary conditions, while assuring thatthe head of the pin will be sheared off cleanly at the neck H3 when thetorpedo is discharged from the tube. The material from which the shearpin H is formed is carefully selected so as to have adequate strengthbut not great ductility, thus assuring a clean shear. High tensilealuminum alloy bar stock of about elongation has been found suitable.The pin |H and associated parts are so related that the neck H3 of thepin is nearly fiush with the outer cylindrical surface of the torpedo asthe latter rests within the tube. When the torpedo is discharged, headI0 of the pin is sheared off at neck H3 and is carried out of the tubewith the torpedo. Preliminary to discharging a second torpedo, the plateH5 is removed from base plate I6 and the remainder of the shear pin isdetached from plate ||5 by applying a wrench or other suitable tool tothe hexagonal flange H4, and is replaced by a new shear pin.

Means in the form of a tripping latch, is provided for throwing thefiring lever of the torpedo, for setting the torpedo self-propulsionmechanism in action in a known manner, during the initial portion of thetravel of the torpedo through the body 25 of the tube as it isdischarged therefrom. A base flange |25, shaped to fit accurately uponthe upper portion of tube body 25, is secured to the latter by screws,or in any other suitable A housing |25 is bolted on base flaizg'emanner. |25, with an intervening sealing gasket Housing |26 comprises aIbody |28 of cylindrical shape with suitably disposed reenforcing webs|29, and an annular base member |30, secured by screws or in any othersuitable manner to the lower end of body |28, base member |30 beingprovided with a concentric collar |3| fitting snugly in the lower end ofbody |28 and in a corresponding bore in the flange |25. A cylindricaltrip member |32 is slidable through collar |3| and through acorresponding opening provided in body 25 of the torpedo tube. At itsupper end the trip member is provided with a hollow cylindricalextension |33 which ts snugly within body |28 for sliding movementtherein, and is confined against relative turning movement by a dogpointed screw |34 threaded through boss |35 of body |28, the point ofthis screw engaging into a slot |36 in extension |33, terminating shortof the upper end thereof. At its lower end trip member |32 is formed toprovide a detent |31, the rearward or after face of which is disposedradially of tube body 25, the forward face |38 of this detent beinginclined upward and forward of body 25. A bolt |39 is slidably mountedthrough top end wall |40 of housing |26, this bolt being provided at itsupper end with a vertically attened head |4| which, in the innermostposition of bolt |39, may seat against the upper face of Wall |40. Thelower portion of bolt |39 has threaded connection with latch member 32,and this bolt normally is confined against rotation by a dog pointedscrew |42 threaded through a boss |43 of housing |25, with the point ofthis screw extending into a vertical lgroove |44 in the shank of bolt|33. A coil compression spring |45 is disposed about bolt |39, withinhousing |26, and is confined between upper end wall |40 thereof and thelower end wall of extension |33 of latch member |32. This spring |45urges latch member |32 and bolt |39 downward into the position shown inFigure 8, with detent |31 projecting into body 25 of the tube. Head |4|of bolt |39 is pivoted, by a pin |45, to one end of an operating andadjusting lever |41 eccentrically thereof. This lever comprises two sideplates |48 and a spacer |49 riveted or otherwise suitably securedtherebetween. The ends of plates |48 adjacent bolt head |4| are roundedto provide cam surfaces. When lever |41 is in its position shown inFigure 8, latch member |32 is projected into its operative position,with detent |31 projecting into body 25 of the tube. By turning lever|41 through 180 degrees into the opposite position to that shown inFigure 8, thel rounded ends of plates |48 exert a camming action on theupper face of wall |40, thus forcing the bolt |39 outward and retractingtrip member |32 into its outer or inoperative position, in which thedetent |31 is disposed to clear the firing lever of the torpedo. Byturning screw |42 outward sufficiently to withdraw the point thereoffrom groove |44, bolt |39 may be rotated by means of lever |41 in properdirection to cause either relative inward or outward movement of thelatch member |32, thus effecting adjustment thereof to assure properoperation of the torpedo firing lever when the latch member is in itsprojected operative position. After the desired adjustment has beeneffected, screw |42 is turned in to hold the bolt |39 against rotation.

The firing lever of the standard Naval torpedo is disposed to one sideof the vertical central plane of the torpedo a certain distance, forexample approximately of an inch, and is situated on the after body ofthe torpedo, which after body tapers toward the tail, so that thediameter of theY body of the torpedo in the plane of the firing lever isless than the maximum diameter which obtains throughout the maincylindrical body portion of the torpedo. This tapered after body of thetorpedo is provided with a recess extending forward of the firing lever,into which detent |31 of the trip member |32 extends, when the torpedois positioned properly within the body 25 of the tube and the tripmember is projected into its inner or operative position, it beingunderstood that the trip member is offset from the central verticalplane of the torpedo correspondingly to the offset of the torpedo firinglever and the associated recess. When trip member |32 is in itsprojected operative position, detent |31 is disposed about 1A of anYinch forward of the torpedo firing lever and overlaps the latter about1/8 of an inch substantially radially of the tube body 25.

In the initial forward travel ofthe torpedo within the tube, cn itsdischarge, detent |31 of latch member |32 serves to trip the firinglever of the torpedo so as to set the self-propulsion mechanism thereofin action in a known manner. In the continued forward travel of thetorpedo the detent |31V causes no interference with the torpedo bodyitself, due t the rearward taper of the after portion thereof. But thevertical rudder posts of the torpedo, located at the tail thereof,extend substantially the full diameter of the main cylindrical bodyportion of the torpedo. offsetting the trip member to one side of thecentral vertical plane of the tube and of the torpedo, in the mannerstated, prevents interference between detent |31 and the vertical rudderpost. 'I'he distance` forward to which the guide strips |08 of Figures 1and 2 may extend is limited by the length of the tapering after portionof the torpedo body. For that reason, after. the horizontal` rudderposts pass from beneath the guide strips |68, the torpedo will travel adistance of approximately eight inches within the tube body 25 beforethe vertical rudder post passes forward beyond the detent |31. It mightbe thought that there would be risk of the torpedo turning in the tube asuicient dis-` tance, approximately /16 of an inch measured on thecircumference of the main cylindrical body of the torpedo, to bring theVertical rudder post into such position that itV would strike the detent|31. However, the torpedo is discharged from the tube ata velocity of,approximately forty feet per second, which means that it travels eightinches in approximately M50 of a second, and there are no forces tendingto cause rotation of the torpedo within the tube. Experience hasdemonstrated that no such rotation of the torpedo occurs and that norisk is involved in having the. torpedo travel thatshort distance freeof the guide strips. Though not essential, it is preferable that. thetrip member |32 be retracted into its inoperative position duringinsertion ofthe torpedo into the, tube. Also, the trip member preferablyis retained in that position during ordinary cruising, since it mayquickly be projected into operative position, merely by turning of thelever |41 into the position shown in Figure 8, preparatory to dischargeofthe torpedo.

It is desirable that entry of'moisture into the body 25 of the torpedotube be prevented, and it has been found that a rather tight seal isnecessary to prevent the entrance of water due to splash. The muzzle endof the tube is closed by a dome-shaped cover |50 provided with anoutwardly projecting circumferential flange |5| to the after face ofwhich is secured a channel member |52 carrying a soft rubber sealingring |53. Cover |50 is further provided with suitably spaced, outwardlyprojecting brackets |54 having openings through which extend rods |55each of which is urged forward by a compression coil spring |56,confined between a knob |51, secured on the forward end of rod |55, andY a collar |58 disposed about and free from rod |55, this collar beingprovided with a boss |59, the after end of which is rounded and seats ina corresponding recess in bracket |54. Spring |56 is disposed about rod|55 and is enclosed within a cylindrical casing |60 secured to andextending forward from collar |58. The rearward or after portion of rod|55 is bent at a slight angle to the remainder of said rod, and isprovided with a hook element |6| for engagement with the after portionof the flange of reenforcing ring 26l adjacent themuzzle end of thetube. Guide fingers |62, secured` within cover |50, are disposed toenter the muzzle end ofr the tube and center the cover thereon. Whencover |50 is on the tube, sealing ring |53 is held in tight contact withthe end of the tube, by means of the springs |56, the cover and thesealing ring thus providing a water tight closure for the muzzle endV ofthe tube. When a torpedo is loaded in the tube and the latter is readyfor use, the cover |50 is, of course, removed and may be stowed in anyconvenient location for use as desired.

The torpedo tube is mounted, for vertical swinging movements and fortraining, on an under carriage. This carriage comprises a turntable |65,a slide plate |66, mounted for movement concentrically with theturntable, and a rigid frame |61 secured at its after end to themovablemember of the turntable and, at its forward end, to plate |66, asshown in Figure 13. The turntable |65 comprises an inner fixed member|68 (Figure 9) secured in any suitable manner, as by means of a largenumber of screws (not shown), to a reenforced portion of deck d of thevessel, and an outer member |60 mounted for rotation on member |68.Preferably, the turntable members |68 and |69 are formed of aluminumalloy and are adequately ribbed for strength, with a viewV to lightnessof construction. A sheet metal cover plate |10 is suitably secured, asby screws, to the topY of turntable member |69, extending thereover andover member |68 to exclude water from these members. Cover |10 isprovided with a diametrically extending trough-shaped element 1| whichaccommodates a downwardly arched bridge member |12, preferably of Icross-section, welded or otherwise secured at its ends to the lowerportions of rocker arms |13, preferably of tubular construction for themajor portion of their length. Arms |13 are provided at their ends witheye members |14 and |15, members |14 being pivoted, by pins |16, to,turntable member |69 on aligned axes extending diametrically thereof.The eye members |15, at the upper ends of arms |13, are pivoted, by pins|11, in slotted blocks |18 bolted to bolting plates 36 of the aftersaddle 28. The arms |13 are disposed at opposite sides of the body 25 ofthe tube, and the pivot axes at the upper ends thereof are alignedtransversely of the tube body, as will be clear from Figures l, 2, and9. Suitable means, of known type, is provided for restraining the pivotpins |16 and |11 against endwise displacement.

Suitable means is provided for restraining.

turntable member |69 against upward movement relative to member |68.Conveniently, squareheaded bolts |80 (Figures 9 and 13 to 15, inclusive)are secured in member |69, the heads of these bolts fitting insubstantially rectangular slots |8| extending circumferentially ofmember |68. These bolts are not intended to limit turning movement ofmember |69, other means being provided for that purpose, as will behereinafter described. Any suitable number of bolts |80 may be provided,though ordinarily I provide three of these bolts equally spaced aboutthe turntable. Any other suitable means may be provided for preventingupward movement of member |69 relative to member |68.

Frame |61 comprises rails |82, preferably of tubular construction,provided at their forward and after ends with eye members |83 and |84,

respectively. Rails |82 are connected by cross d braces |85, |86, and|81, also preferably of tubular construction, secured thereto in anysuitable manner, conveniently by welding. The frame thus formed is ofcomparatively light construction, while possessing adequate strength andrigidity. Eye members |84 are secured to turntable member |69, atopposite sides of the axis thereof and forward of pins |16, by pins |88inserted through lugs |89 of turntable member |69 and through the eyemembers |84. Eye members |83, at the forward ends of the rails |82, arebolted to slide plate |66 at the after portion of the latter. Ahook-shaped stop member |90, shown more clearly in Figures 13 and 16, issecured to deck d at the outboard side of frame |61, for contact withthe outboard rail |82, for limiting outboard swinging movement of frame|61, the slots |8| being of suicient extent to permit such movement offrame |61 into contact with stop member |90, bolts |80 not functioningas stop members, as above stated.

Slide plate |66 is provided, at its upper face, with three upwardlyopening bearing blocks |9|, |92, and |93, blocks |9| and |92 beingdisposed in substantial alignment with eye members |83 at the forwardends of rails |82 of frame |61. A shaft |94 is rockably mounted inbearing blocks |9|, |92, and |93, in which it is confined by cap plates|95 bolted to the bearing blocks, as shown more clearly in Figure 19.Suitably braced forward rocker arms |96 are secured to shaft |94, one atthe outboard end of this shaft and the other between the bearing blocks|92 and |93. Shaft |94 is confined against endwise movement through thebearing blocks by stop collars |91 and |96 secured thereon, or in anyother suitable manner. The arms |96 are of tubular construction for themajor portion of their length, and each is provided, at its upper end,with an eye member |99, as shown in Figure 2A. This eye member |99extends upward into a slotted block 260 bolted to bolting plate 32 ofthe forward saddle 21, to which block eye member |99 is pivoted by a pin20|. In the normal position of the tube, the after rocker arms |13 andthe forward rocker arms |96, the latter of which are disposed atopposite sides of the tube body in the same manner as arms |13, areinclined upward and forward of the tube body 25, as shown in Figures 2and 2A. Preferably, rocker arms |13 and |96 are of equal length,providing a parallel linkage between the tube body and the undercarriage therefor, permitting of fore and aft swinging movement of thetube body in a vertical plane, as will be described more fullyhereinafter. When the tube is in its normal forward lowered position,shown in Figures 2 and 2A, the lower portion thereof rests in forwardand after cradles 262 and 203, respectively, welded or otherwisesuitably secured to frame |61. The upper surface of each cradle is ofconcavo-oonvex shape transversely, to conform to the curvature of body25 of the tube, and is provided with a pad 204 of soft rubber or othersuitable material, upon which tube body 25 rests when in its loweredposition, as shown in Figure 10. Cradles 202 and 203 rest upon suitablewear strips secured to deck d.

Recoil take-up legs 2|6 are disposed at opposite sides of tube body 25,as shown in Figures l and 1A, the after ends of these legs being pivotedto turntable member |69 at 2| as in Figure 2, and the forward end ofeach of these legs being pivoted at 2| 2 to the slotted block 269, therespective legs 2li) thus being disposed at an inclination upward andforward of the tube, as in Figures 2 and 2A. Each leg 2|6 comprises acylinder 2|5 (Figure 1'1 in the forward end of which is secured a head2|6 through which is slidably mounted a tubular piston rod 2|1, withprovision for effecting a duid-tight seal thereabout. Piston rod 2|1 isalso slidable through a guide member 2 i8 secured within cylinder 2|5and provided with openings 2|9 estabf lishing communication between theinterior of the cylinder at the opposite sides of this guide member. Theinner end portion of piston rod 2|1 receives a tubular neck 220, pinnedor otherwise suitably secured therein, of a piston 22| operating withincylinder 2|!) and provided with cup leathers 222 assuring a fluid-tightseal between the piston and the cylinder in the inward travel of thepiston. Piston 22| is of hollow construction and, at its outer orforward end, opens freely into neck 220 which, in turn, opens freelyinto the tubular piston rod 2 l1. A flanged valve seat ring 223 issecured upon the inner end of piston 22| and provides a seat forcooperation with head 224 of a valve member having a hollow cylindricalbody 225 extending into piston 22| in spaced relation thereto. Body 225is provided with guide lugs 226 which guide the valve member in itsmovements in the piston 22|, while holding body 225 in concentric spacedrelation to the piston body, lugs 226 being spaced a considerabledistance apart to permit of free flow of displaced liquid, about thebody 225 of the valve member, into and through piston 22|.

. Head 224 of the valve member is provided with a port or opening 221disposed centrally thereof. In the normal open position of the valvemember, shown in Figure 17, head 224 is spaced away from valve seat ring223, providing a passage 228 of considerable area for flow of displacedliquid from cylinder 2|5 into and through the piston 22|, the area ofopening 221 relative to the area of passage 228 being quite restricted.At its forward end, cylinder 2|5 is provided with a fitting in the formof a vent plug 236, having suitable passages communicating with theinterior of the cylinder, for venting to atmosphere air from n withinthe cylinder in front or forward of piston movement of the tube body 25.

disposed within the body of piston 22|, is confined between the forwardend of the latter and the forward end of body 225 of the Valve member,yieldingly urging the latter rearward into its unseated or open positionshown in Figure 17.

When the torpedo tube is in its normal, forward, lowered position, thelegs 2 lil are extended, piston 22| of each leg being then in itsoutermost or forward position shown in Figure 17. Cylinder 2|5 of eachleg contains a suitable working liquid, preferably oil, in amountsufficient to submerge piston 22| when the latter is in its normal,forward position. When a torpedo is discharged from the tube, thereaction of the pressure produced in the pressure chamber at the breechend of the tube body 25, causes the latter to swing upward and rearwardin an arc. That causes shortening of the legs 2li), by movement of thepiston rod 2|'| inwardly of the cylinder 2 l5, the legs turning orswinging slightly with the This movement of piston 22| inward ofcylinder 2|5 is initially in the nature of a sudden or an abrupt thrust,and causes displacement of a small amount of the working liquid,preferably a light oil, through passage 228 and the piston 22|.thereafter, the valve member is moved into closed position in oppositionto compression spring 233, due to the pressure exerted'by the oilagainst head 224. That closes the passage 228, and thereafter the oilflows through the restricted opening 221 into piston 22|, and thenceinto the tubular piston rod 2 1. A high pressure will be buit up in thecylinder 2|5 at the after portion thereof, since the force exertedagainst the pistons in the two legs 2|!) is substantially equal to thegas pressure exerted against the breech door of the tube body 25. Theratio of the cross-section of body 25 of the tube to the combinedcross-sections of the two pistons 22| is approximately ten to one. Thus,if seventy pounds per square inch pressure is developed within thebreech portion of body 25 of the tube, the resulting pressure within thelegs 2|0 will be approximately 700 pounds per square inch. The rate atwhich the respective legs may be collapsed is determined by the rate atwhich the oil can flow through the restricted opening or orifice. 221.The recoil of the tube body 25 will continue so long as the gasvpressure persists,

within it, and as long as the tube momentum has not been overcome by theresistance offered by the recoil take-up legs. The, total intervalArequired for ejection or discharge of the torpedo is approximately .5second. The size of orifice 221 and consequent recoil velocity is sochosen that approximately the full recoil travel of the tube bodypermitted by the rocker arms is utilized. It is preferable, however, tobring the tube to rest before it reaches its fully retracted positionand contacts the cradles, so as to avoid objectionable shock, and thesize of the orifice 221 is properly determined to that end. WithA theVorifice 221 of the proper size, the characteristic recoil portion of thetube consists in a gradual acceleration to about five feet per second,an interval in which this velocity remains nearly constant, and a periodof gradual retardationwithout shock, causing the tube to be stopped`before` it reaches its fully retracted position. During recoil of thetube, oil is forced through the orifices 221 into the otherwise closedhollow pistons 2 1, compressing the air within the latter. Com.-pression of this air will continue as long as oil.

continues to pass through the orifices .22;1, thisA Immediatelyl'aas-acer compression of. air; providing ai storagev off energy. Oncetherearward recoil movement of the tube has been stopped, in the mannerabove described, the pressure exertedV by the compressed air Within thetubular piston'` rod 2|1, acting through the oil, ,initiatesv outwardorI forward movement of the piston 22| within the cylinder 2 i5.Thatcauses flow of oil from the piston rods into the cylinders, whichresults in opening of the valve members, comprising body 225 and head222, thus permitting free flow of oil from the piston rods into thecylinders. Continued expansion of the compressed air imparts continuedforwardV movementV of the tube sufficient.

to restore it to its normal forward battery position resting withinthecradles 202 and 203. The legs 2H] thus providemeans for takingup therecoil of the tube, during discharge ofY a torpedo therefrom, whilealsoserving to restore the tube automatically to battery position. Each ofthe cylinders 2|5 isprovided, in addition to the ventingplug 22,8, witha drain cock 234 and with screw plugs 23.5 and 2.35 for lling with theoil and for venting during filling.

While I preferably provide the recoil takeup legs 2li), whichareconstructed and operate in the manner above described, that is notessential to the broader aspects of my invention, within which any othersuitable recoil takeup means may be employed. As previously stated,during discharge of the torpedo the.. reaction on the breech door of thetubel bythe pressure generated therein causes the tube',` withthecontained tor.- pedo, to swing upward and; rearward. The recoil maythus, in large measure; at least, betaken up by theweight of the tubeand torpedo. It is practicable, therefore, to omit the recoil takeuplegs 2|f| or like means, depending upon the weight ofthe tube andtorpedo to take up the recoil. Preferably, in such cases, the weight ofthe tube and torpedo is such that the tube will notk move rearwardsufficiently to swing the rocker arms rearward beyond vertical position,so that the tube will return by gravity to its normal forward loweredposition, though that is not essential. The pads 224 of the cradles 202and 2&3. should be of suitable thickness or type to cushion the effectof the tube dropping into its lowered position, sufficiently to preventsubject ing theV boat to objectionable shocks and stresses. Thatgis truewhether the tube returns'by gravity toits normal forward loweredposition, or moves rearward intov lowered position, after discharge ofithe torpedo. If the tube is moved rearward into lowered position, whenthe torpedo is discharged, it is returned to its normal forward loweredposition before another torpedo is loaded into and discharged from thetube, for obvious reasons. Return of the tube from its rearward to itsforward position may be effected manually or byany suitable known means.

The forward slide plate |66 has its forward and after edges curvedconcentrically with the aXis of turntable |65, this plate being slidablysupported upon steel-strips 231 disposed beneath the forward and afteredge portions thereof and curved correspondingly thereto. Retainingguide strips 238, preferably formed of hard brass, seat upon the steelstrips 231 and extend over the forward and after edge portions of plate|66, strips 232 conforming in curvature to the forward and after edgesof plate |56. The retaining and guidestrips- 23'andr the strips 231 aresecured to a suitablyy reenforced portion ofA deck d of the vessel, byvwelding, bolting, or in any other suitable manner. Suitable clearancesare provided between plate |66 and the retaining and guide strips 238 toaccommodate relative expansion and contraction between the deck d andthe torpedo tube and parts associated therewith, and

,to permit easy sliding of plate |66 for training of the tube, as willbe explained presently. Two reenforcing brackets 239 and 24U are securedto deck d, and overlie the outboard portion of the forward restrainingand guide strip 238, these brackets being suitably ribbed for strength,and secured to the deck in any suitable manner, as by welding, bolting,or otherwise. Brackets 239 and 240 are so disposed as to be insubstantial alignment with bearing blocks |9| and |92, respectively, ofslide plate |66 when the latter is in its extreme outboard position.These brackets serve to restrain plate |66 against lifting movementwhich may be developed incident to ejection or discharge of the torpedofrom the tube.

A bracket 24| (Figures 2A, 20, and 21) is bolted to deck d adjacent theinboard end of the retaining and guiding strip 238, and, in part,overlying the latter. Bracket 24| is provided at its top with a bearingblock 242 which receives a hollow spool member 243 restrained againstupward movement by a cap plate 244 bolted to block 242. Member 243 isprovided at its inboard end with an inwardly projecting stud 245 throughwhich is secured a pin 246, the end portions of this pin projectingbeyond the periphery of stud 245 for a purpose which will be describedpresently. Thrust rings 241, secured by screws or in any other suitablemanner to the ends of block 242 and cap plate 244, cooperate with theanges of the spool member 243 for confining the latter against endwisemovement through block 242.

Spool member 243 is connected to the inboard end of a screw-shaft 249,by a universal joint structure 249 of known type. Structure 249comprises a socket member 256 and a stud member 25|, the latterextending into spool member 243 from the outboard end thereof and beingsecured therein by pins 252, or in any other suitable manner. Studmember 25| is provided with a iiange 253 seating against the outboardend of spool member 243 for taking the inboard thrust of screw shaft248. Socket member 256 receives the inboard end portion of shaft 248secured therein by pins 254, or in any other suitable manner, this shaftbeing provided with a collar secured thereon seating against theoutboard end of member 259 for taking inboard thrusts of the shaft.Shaft 248 threads through a sleeve nut 256 having top and bottomtrunm'ons 251 and 253, respectively, pivoted in a bracket 259 bolted toslide plate |66 and a boss 266 extending from the forward face of thisplate. The outboard portion of sleeve nut 256 is reduced in diameter andreceives the inboard end portion of a tubular sheet metal housing 26|,closed at its outer end, this housing being of proper length toaccommodate the shaft 248 and serving to guard the latter againstsplash, particularly in the inboard position of the tube.

It will be seen that by rotating screw shaft 248 in the properdirection, the slide plate |66 may be moved either inboard or outboardfor training the tube, this movement of the slide plate causingcorresponding movement of the forward end of frame |61, thereby swingingthe tube body 25, which normally rests in the cradles 202 and 263, aboutthe axis of turntable 65. In that manner,

' a pin 269.

training of the tube may readily be effected. In practice, two tubes aremounted adjacent each side of the deck of the vessel, these tubes beingdisposed generally in alignment fore and aft of the deck.. Normally, thetube occupies a position substantially parallel with the adjacent sideof the deck, in which it will offer minimum obstruction in the operationof the vessel. For loading, the tube is adjusted to an inboard posi*tion, which facilitates inserting the torpedo into the tube from thedeck, particularly if the tube to be loaded is an after tube disposedadjacent another tube immediately forward thereof. For iiring, the tubeis adjusted to its outboard position, movement of the frame |61, andconsequently of the tube, in an outboard direction being positivelylimited by the stop in the man` ner previously described.

A tubular rod 265, mounted for rotation in a support 266 secured to deckd, is disposed with its outboard end fitting over stud 245, this rodbeing provided with two diametrically opposite T shaped slots 261 whichreceive the end portions of pin 246. At its inboard end, rod 265 isprovided with a stud 268 through which is secured Stud 268 is intendedfor reception of the outboard end of a crank 216 provided, at that end,with two diametrically opposite T shaped slots 21| for receiving pin269. The shank portion of crank 210 is insertible through a support 212secured to deck d in alignment with a sleeve 212a secured through a Wallof a housing 213 of the vessel, the handle portion 214 of the crankbeing disposed within this housing. Rod 265 is confined against endwisemovement by stop collars 215 secured thereon abutting the ends ofsupport 266. Rod 265 may remain permanently in position, the crank 219being with drawn from support 21| and sleeve 212 when not in use, andstowed in any convenient location within the housing 213. It is thuspossible for personnel to train the torpedo tube from within the housingof the vessel, thus avoiding exposure of the personnel to the elementsor to enemy re during the operations of training the torpedo tube anddischarging the torpedo therefrom.

As above indicated, and as will be understood by those skilled in theart, changes in construction and arrangement of parts of my inventionmay be resorted to without departing from the iield and scope thereof,and I intend to include all such variations, as fall within the scope ofthe appended claims, in this application, in which the preferred formonly of my invention has been disclosed.

I claim:

l. In combination, a torpedo tube, forward and rearward saddles securedto said tube, a turntable at the after portion of said tube, a plateforward of said turntable adjustable concentrically therewith, a rigidframe iixed at its after end to the movable member of said turntable andat its forward end to said plate, means for adjusting the latter, saidframe comprising cradles receiving the lower portion of said tube whenthe latter is in lowered position, a forward pair of rocker armsnormally inclined upward and forward of said tube pivoted at their upperends to said forward saddle and at their lower ends to said plate, anafter pair of rocker arms normally inclined similarly to said forwardarms pivoted at their upper ends to said after saddle and at their lowerends to the movable member of said turntable, and a pair of recoiltakeup legs inclined upwardly and forwardly oi said tube pivoted attheir forward ends to said forward saddle and at their after ends tosaid movable member.

2. In combination, a torpedo tube, an undercarriage therefor pivoted atits after end on a vertical axis at the after portion of said tube, aplate fixed to the forward end of lsaid carriage adjustable `about theaxis thereof, means for adjusting said plate, the latter being providedwith three bearings, two adjacent the sides of said tube and one spacedinboard from the bearing adjacent the inboard side of said tube, a shaftrockablymounted in said bearings, a forward pair of rocker arms normallyinclined upward andforward of said tube connecting the l latter tosaidshaft, an after pair of rocker arms normally inclined similarly tosaid forward arms connecting said tubeto said carriage, and a'p'air ofrecoil take-up legs inclined upwardly and forwardly of said tubeconnecting the latter to said carriage. Y

3. In combination, a torpedo tube, an undercarriage therefor pivoted atits after end on a vertical axis at the after portion of said tube, aplate fixed to theV forward end of said carriage adjustable about theaxis thereof, guide means for said plate comprising a member overlyingan edge portion thereof, a restraining member overlying said guidemember and adapted for securement to a supporting structure forrestraining said guide member against upward movement, means Vforadjusting said plate, linkage means connecting said tube to saidcarriage for relative forward and aft swinging movements, and recoiltake-up means pivotally connecting saidtube to said carriage.

4. In combination, a torpedo tube, means supporting said tube so as topermit upward and rearward recoil thereof, and recoil resisting meanscooperating with said tube supportingl means and comprising a cylinder,a tubular piston rod slidable through one end of said cylinder providedat its inner end with a hollow piston operating in said cylinder insealing contact therewith and opening into the Vinner end of said rod,the latter being otherwise closed, the space in said cylinder betweenthe other end thereof and the inner end of said rod when theV latterisin its outer position being adapted to be lled with working liquid, andvalve means controlling communication between said cylinder and pistonmovable by the pressure of said liquid and responsive to inward movementof said piston into one position providing a relatively restricted areaof communication between said cylinderrand piston and movable responsiveto outward movement of said pistoninto a second position providingmaterially increased area 0f communication between said cylinder andpiston.

5. In combination, a torpedo tube, means supporting said tube so as topermit upward and rearward recoil thereof, and recoil resisting meanscooperating with said tube supporting means and comprising a cylinder, atubular piston rod slidable through one end of said cylinder provided atits inner end with a hollow piston operating in said cylinder in sealingrcontact therewith and opening into the inner end of said rod, thelatter being otherwise closed, the space in said cylinder between theother end thereof and the inner end of said rod when the latter is inits outer position being adapted to be filled with working liquid, andmeans providing communication between said cylinder and the inner end ofsaid piston, said means comprising an inwardly opening and outwardlyclosing valve member slidable in said piston and defining therewith,when in open position, a passage for free flow of the working liquid,said means providing in the closed position of said valve member arelatively restricted passage for flow of the working liquid.

6. In combination, a torpedo tube, means supporting said tube so as topermit upward and rearward recoil thereof, and recoil resisting meanscooperating with said tube supporting means and comprising a cylinder, atubular piston rod slidable through one 'end of said cylinder providedat its Vinner end with a hollow piston operating in said cylinder insealing contact therewith and opening into the inner end of said rod,the latter being otherwise closed, the space in said cylinder betweenthe other end thereof and the inner end of said rod when the latter isin its outer position being adapted to be filled with working liquid, Vavalve seat member at the inner end of said piston, and a valve membercomprising a body slidable in said piston dening therewith a passage forworking liquid and a head at the inner end of said body cooperating withsaid seat member for closing said passage when said valve member is inclosed position, said head being provided with a restricted openingcommunicating with the piston through said body. v

7. In combination, a torpedo tube, means supporting said tube Vso as topermit upward and rearward recoil thereof, and recoil resisting meanscooperating with said tube supporting means and comprising, a cylinder,a tubular piston rod slidable through one end of said cylinder providedat its inner end 'with a hollow piston operating in said cylinder insealing contact therewith and opening into the inner end of said rod,the latter being otherwise closed, the space in said cylinder betweenthe other end thereof and the inner end of said rod when the latter isin its outer position being adapted 4to be lled with working liquid, aValve seat member at the inner end of said piston, a Valve membercomprising a hollow body open at its outer end slidable in said pistonand defining therewith a passage for working liquid, said body beingprovided at its inner end with a head cooperating with said seat memberfor closing said passage when said valve member is in closed position,said head being provided with a relatively restricted opening into saidbody, and a compression spring conned between the outer end of saidpiston and said valve member body.

HUBERT SCOTT-PAINE.

